Honored for her compassion and proactive roles within the Hispanic community, Algonquin resident Tamika Lecheé Morales recently became the recipient of the first annual Today’s Inspired Latina Woman of the Year Award. The award was given to Morales by Jacqueline Camacho-Ruiz, the creator of the highly successful and empowering Today’s Inspired Latina (TIL) book series. The series, which contains three volumes, showcases the poignant collection of stories from 78 successful Latinas around the world. Volume IV will come out in spring 2018. Morales, a second grade dual language teacher at Channing Memorial Elementary School in Elgin and an actress and playwright, contributed her story to Today’s Inspired Latina Volume III.

“Being the recipient of the very first Today’s Inspired Latina Woman of the Year award is more than just a high honor,” said Morales, who is of Puerto Rican heritage. “It’s an acknowledgement that when you do what you love and you do it whole heartedly, the world will notice. My willingness to share and help people is abundant. I wouldn’t be who I am today if it wasn’t for all of those who shared and invested in me and continue to do so day in and day out. I want to do the same for others. It’s my way of showing gratitude.” Some of Morales’ activities included working behind the scenes of the Volume III book launch, coordinating the itinerary for several authors visiting New York, and raising funds from TIL book sales in New York and collecting items to help the residents of Puerto Rico who were devastated by losses from recent hurricanes. Morales also dedicates herself to families affected with autism. For more information about Today’s Inspired Latina, visit www.todayslatina.com.